In 2009, Karen Schwarz represented Peru in Miss Universe and in addition to not being able to qualify among the 15 semifinalists, the model was highly criticized in Bolivia, since together with the designer Ricardo Dávila she showed the typical costume with which she would parade in the beauty pageant and this was not to the liking of the authorities of that country. Find out below what really happened with the participation of Karen Schwarz in Miss Universe 2009.
Bolivia sent a complaint to the Miss Universe organization and even revealed that it was considering taking Karen Schwarz’s case to an international court. But what was the typical dress that the famous would use in the beauty contest and what did she say about the criticism against her?
Why did Karen Schwarz’s typical dress spark controversy?
The aspirants to win the Miss Universe crown follow a series of requirements to be part of that event. Prior to her trip to the Bahamas, the television presenter also prepared all the clothing that she would wear in Miss Universe, including the typical costume that was designed by the designer Ricardo Dávila, who with the help of 16 people made the costumes for the diablada, inspired by the dance of Puno. In addition, she wore an embroidery of Lake Titicaca on her cape.
After exposing her typical costume to the public, the La Paz authorities issued a statement in which they stated that it was an improper appropriation of Bolivian heritage by the Peruvian representative in the beauty contest. Likewise, Pablo Groux, Bolivian Minister of Culture at the time, mentioned that the costumes represent the dance of the diablada, originally from Bolivia and not from Peru.
Karen Schwarz showed the typical dress that she would wear in Miss Universe 2009. Photo: Andina
What did Karen Schwarz say about her typical costume?
In the statement, Groux revealed that he was considering taking his defense of the diablada dance as Bolivian heritage to an international court, since the model would use the costume at the event. Likewise, she sent a letter to the Miss Universe organization so that there is no speculation about the origin of the dance and explained the background of this cultural manifestation.
The controversy that had Karen Schwarz as its protagonist divided Peruvian and Bolivian politicians in opinions; However, the model she preferred to stay away from criticism. “I think this is a political issue and I am not the one to comment or get involved in this,” Schwarz told the Bolivian portal La Razón.
Karen Schwarz avoided responding to criticism about her clothing. Photo: Typical Costumes of Peru
Congressman speaks out about Karen Schwarz’s typical costume
After the political disputes between the leaders of Peru and Bolivia, Congressman Yonhy Lescano spoke about the commented typical costume of Karen Schwarz, since they accused her of misappropriating the diablada clothing, which is used in the dance of the same Name.
“The devil arrived in Peru in the 16th century with the Jesuits and two centuries later in Bolivia; It is even on the website of the Bolivian carnival of Oruro (in which the popular dance is discussed), so it indicates, “said former parliamentarian Lescano to Andina.
Who won Miss Universe 2021?
In the 2021 edition of Miss Universe, Miss India, Harnaaz Sandhu, won the beauty pageant. For their part, Miss Paraguay (Nadia Ferreira) and South Africa (Lalela Mswane) was first and second runner-up.
Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu, from India, is Miss Universe 2021. Photo: La Razón
Karen Schwarz at Miss Universe 2009
Despite being among the five favorites by the public for Miss Universe 2009, Karen Schwarz failed to place among the 15 semifinalists in the beauty pageant. However, her participation increased her fame nationally to the point where she was able to start a television career in shows like “The Last Passenger”, “I am” and more.
Karen Schwarz in Miss Universe and I Am. Photo: composition La República/ElNuevoDiario/EntornoInteligente
Karen Schwarz in “I Am”
The model Karen Schwarz made her debut on Peruvian television as a co-host in “I am”, the first season of 2012, along with Adolfo Aguilar, Maricarmen Marín, Fernando Armas and Ricardo Morán.
Karen Schwarz in “I Am”. Photo: capture
How old is Karen Schwarz?
The Peruvian model and presenter, Karen Schwarz, was born on January 21, 1984, so she is currently 38 years old.
